Lloyd Kahn is the editor-in-chiefof Shelter Publications, an independent California publisher.Shelter Publications specializes in books on buildingand architecture,as well as health and fitness.Lloyds latest book is Tiny Homes on the Move: Wheels and Water.For more info, see: www.shelterpub.comLloyd Kahn is the editor-in-chief of Shelter Publications, an independent California publisher. Shelter Publications specializes in books on building and architecture, as well as health and fitness. Lloyd’s latest book is Builders of the Pacific Coast. For more info, see: www.shelterpub.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lloydkahn

"Hi Lloyd,
First of all thanks for all the inspiration! Your books have opened up an entire culture that I did not know existed. Seeing the way that you and the folks in your books are living lives simply and honestly has given me a whole new perspective on the world.
I also really appreciate how it's not an idealistic way of going about it either. It's about making choices of what is beneficial in modern times and what you can really do without.
I was wondering what advice you would have for someone that wants to get into carpentry that has no professorial experience.
I'm 22 years old and I live in Vancouver. I've been applying for jobs in that field because it's a REAL skill that I'm extremely interested in learning. It's just disheartening because first of all most jobs require experience and second of all its a fast paced industry that is more about money than quality and craftsmanship (I know that's pretty obvious.
What would your advice be on what route I should take to gain those skills? Do you have any recommendations on natural building internships in the Pacific Northwest?
Thanks again for being an outlet of inspiration!
-Brennan"

Brennan:
There are building schools here and there, such as Yestermorow in Vermont, but I don't really know much about them in general. Years ago my friend Paul Wingate wanted to learn carpentry, so he went around to building sites and asked if he could help, free of charge. He would sweep up, do tasks asked of him, and watch what was going on. Pretty soon he was cutting studs or beams and handing them to the carpenters. Paul would watch what was needed and lend a hand, often unasked. He made himself useful and he started learning the craft. He became an accomplished carpenter.
That's what I'd suggest. Go around to building sites. Offer to help. Tell them you want to learn. Dig foundation trenches, pull nails, clean the work site every night. Make yourself useful and hopefully the journeymen will start treating you as an apprentice.PS: I asked Brennan if it was OK to post his letter because it's not an uncommon question for us, and I thought this might be helpful to young people seeking to learn the art and craft of carpentry.

7 comments:

Lloyd's advice ~might~ work, but these days, what with OSHA, contractor licensing, bonding and insurance, and the general litigious attitude of society in general, hanging around a job site is more likely to get you run off by the General Contractor, who will see you as a risk, not an asset.

Perhaps better, find a local handyman or remodelling contractor who can use occasional day labor. They will be in a more relaxed position to allow someone to contribute and learn without feeling that they will be opening themselves up to a lawsuit or fines levied by the municipality. Most contractors, particularly those who work for themselves, will frequently need help on a job. It might be only helping unload a truck stacked with materials or hauling bags of plaster up three flights of stairs at first, but if you prove yourself helpful and reliable, it could easily lead to a paid status. Small contractors also are known for recommending laborers to one another, so word-of-mouth could make you in demand.

Also, do not overlook the opportunities that your local community college offers. Many of my construction skills, including cabinet making and welding were learned by taking adult education classes in evenings and over weekends. Coming to a job site with some learned skills will better your chances of convincing someone to let you pick up tools and start building.

I took an intro to carpentry and framing class at Yestermorrow over the summer, and was very impressed by the ethic there, the quality of the instruction, and by the community of builders and planners in its orbit. You might want to look into their internship program:

http://www.yestermorrow.org/programs/internship-program/

I get the impression that it could easily open up some non-traditional routes to learning the trade.

Carpentry is one of the only jobs you can just walk right up and ask for on the site. No BS resume + application. That's why the trade is chock full of hot-heads. I should know because I am one. Good luck young man.

I want to build my own house and have no experience so I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. I was amazed at how much I learned in five days and I really enjoyed it. I've been considering taking some classes at Yestermorrow (Vermont) or Heartwood School (Massachusetts) too.

Lloyd, if you know any builder-types willing to travel to mentor someone through a small house build, put the word out that there's a burgeoning market of novices who need someone with experience to guide them through it.